Is mold removal in Dubai apartment a tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai Law'. Generally, structural issues and problems with the building's core systems, such as a faulty Air Conditioning (AC) unit that fails to properly dehumidify, are the landlord's financial responsibility. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and hygienic condition.

However, the persistent humidity you describe, despite constant AC operation, is a critical clue. In Dubai's climate, where high external humidity meets year-round AC use, this often points to an underlying issue. The problem could be a malfunctioning AC unit not achieving the required dew point for adequate moisture removal, poor insulation leading to condensation within the walls (a common issue), or a hidden leak from plumbing or the building envelope. These are structural or mechanical failures, which fall under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographs of the affected belongings and the closet area. They are obligated to investigate and address the root cause. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and exacerbate contamination.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the root cause and full extent. Our certified technicians at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint moisture sources and conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore count, which is crucial for devising a safe and effective remediation protocol. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.